Type of medicine: ACE inhibitor
Generic and brand names: enalapril maleate, oral; enalaprilat, injection; Vasotec
This medicine is called an ACE inhibitor. It is taken by mouth to treat and control:
It may be given to improve heart function after a heart attack.
This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
You may take this medicine alone or with other medicines.
This medicine is given by injection (shot) to treat and control high blood pressure when you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
Before you start taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have been on a low-salt diet.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
Injections of this medicine are given by a healthcare provider.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take it regularly every day even if you feel better. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves. You may need to take this medicine for a long time to control your blood pressure. If your provider has also prescribed another medicine, take it regularly.
Take this medicine with a glass of water. If you have trouble swallowing the medicine, talk with your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, weakness.
This medicine may make you lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
This medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when you first start taking it. You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. If you feel dizzy or faint while you are standing, lie down for a while and then get up slowly.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. Avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. If you develop a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider.
A persistent dry cough is common with this medicine. If the cough changes or becomes bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider. Do not take nonprescription cough medicines. The cough will go away after the medicine is stopped.
Ask your healthcare provider if you can use a salt substitute containing potassium or a potassium supplement while you are taking this medicine. Do not use salt substitutes or supplements containing potassium unless your provider approves. Talk to your provider before you take a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride, spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium).
Severe vomiting or diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water while you are receiving this medicine.
Be careful when exercising. This medicine may make you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint, especially in hot weather.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly to check your blood pressure and to adjust your dosage, if necessary. You may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. If you have any sign of infection, such as a sore throat or fever, contact your healthcare provider.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing); chest pain; irregular or fast heartbeat; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; severe dizziness or fainting; trouble swallowing; severe abdominal pain.
Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away): Mouth sores; any signs of infection such as sore throat or fever; any unexplained swelling; unusual sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea; stomach pain; problems with urination; yellowing of the skin or eyes; persistent cough; skin blisters or peeling; unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other: Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, drowsiness, weakness, nausea, mild vomiting, mild diarrhea, back pain, muscle pain, headache, dry cough, change in sense of taste.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
